About Us

The Volunteer & Service-Learning Center is dedicated to providing service and service-learning
opportunities for UVU students, faculty, and staff. Through programs and projects
in the classroom, the community, and the world, the Center works to increase social
and cultural awareness, build a sense of community commitment, and extend meaningful
educational opportunities that increase knowledge and enhance academic skill.

The Volunteer & Service-Learning Center opened in the Sorensen Student Center in 1993.
As the needs of the Center expanded, Volunteer and Service-Learning began to reach
out to academic departments on campus to increase its ability to provide greater connections
between service and learning. In 2001, the Center opened in its current incarnation.
The partnership that now exists between academics and student life is unique on campus
and represents a great opportunity to enhance and increase available services to students,
faculty, and the community.

The Volunteer & Service-Learning Center is staffed by a full-time Director, Summer
Valente, and a full-time Program Coordinator, Laura Christopherson, and a part-time
administrative assistant, Tracy Taylor. Dr. Eric Russell, is a full-time faculty member
who receives 6 credits of reassigned time to coordinate academic service-learning
initiatives. The Center is supported by work-study students and student leaders (Student Service Council). The Center is funded through student fees and academic affairs.

Mission

The Volunteer & Service-Learning Center engages students, faculty, staff, and community
organizations in collaborative work and sustained partnerships to create transformative
learning experiences and positive community change.

Volunteer & Service-Learning Center Presentations

If you would like someone from our office to present on the services we have to offer
or to present on another specific topic such as student professionalism, breaking
the stigma of poverty, civic engagement or another topic of your choice please contact
Lori Phipps at lori.phipps@uvu.edu or call 801-863-8786.

In support of the mission, the Volunteer & Service-Learning Center works with students,
faculty, and staff to provide opportunities and support in the following areas:

Service Council History

Prior to Fall 2003, student service on campus was housed in two different offices
and led by two different students. The UVUSA Service President worked as part of the
Independent Branch of student government and reported to the Student Body President.
The Service President worked in the V&SL and reported to the coordinator of that office.
Each of these positions worked hard to involve more students in the community, but
too often their efforts were duplicated.

In March 2003, these two positions were combined into what is now the position of
Service President. The Service President still works with the Student Body President
and the Independent Branch of UVUSA, acting as a voting member of the Student Council.
The Service President works to involve as many people as possible through student
government as well as through the Center’s resources. This new model works to more
effectively involve students in community outreach.